Below is a tombstone in Pataskala Cemetery in Licking County. I searched for Atkinsons in both the 1860 and 1870 censuses of Licking County and did not find any. Note the dresses shown on the tombstone. It was normal for young boys to wear dresses in the mid 1800s. The University of Vermont has a page of links to illustrations from Godey’s Lady’s Book including a boys dress from the December 1859 issue.
Thomas P. and Samuel Mc./ twin sons of W. E. & M. P./ Atkinson/ Died Oct. 18, 1863 & Nov. 1, 1863/ Aged/ 2y 6m 4d & 2 y 6m 18d
Twin sons of W. E. and M. P. Atkinson, Pataskala Cemetery, Licking County, Ohio. Photo by Amy Crow 27 December 2007. All rights reserved.
That is so sad
I can’t imagine losing a little one, let alone two little ones just days apart. My husband’s great-great-great grandma and her two daughters all died within a week of each other, and all share one obelisk tombstone. So sad.